Calakmul Archaeological Zone
Zona Arqueológica de Calakmul
The capital of the 'Kingdom of the Snake' in the Classic Maya period. Climb Structure II, about 45 m high, and you will see an endless expanse of rainforest all around.
For centuries Calakmul competed with Tikal for dominance. It was one of the largest cities in the Maya world. More than 6,000 structures and numerous stelae have been identified here. In 2014 it was inscribed as a mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site, under the name 'Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests'. Structure II can be climbed, and from its top you can see the tower of the distant Structure I rising above the forest canopy. Along the way you often encounter howler monkeys, spider monkeys and ocellated turkeys. The site is about 60 km along a forest road from the highway entrance. Entry requires two tickets, one for the biosphere reserve and one for the archaeological site. Drive yourself, or hire a vehicle from Xpujil. The visit takes a full day.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–17:00 (forest road gate opens around 08:00)
Nearby sights
- Calakmul Museum of Nature and Archaeology
- Volcán de los Murciélagos
- Hormiguero
- Balamkú
- Chicanná
- Río Bec
- Becán
- Calakmul Biosphere Reserve